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HOBDEN: Seamer Matthew awarded Junior Professional Contract

20-Jun-2013

Sussex CCC have announced that young seam bowler Matthew Hobden has been awarded a Junior Professional Contract with the County until the end of the 2014 season.

The 20 year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler, who hails from Eastbourne, has been part of both the Academy and Academy Plus setups at The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground in recent seasons, and has now been awarded Junior Professional status.

Hobden, fomerly of Glynde & Beddingham CC, has played for Preston Nomads in the Sussex Premier League and toured South Africa with the Sussex Academy in the winter, has more recently been playing first-class cricket for Cardiff MCCU, and took 5 for 89 against Kent in April in their University Match.

Hobden said of his new contract, “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity by Sussex. It is something that I have been working hard towards for a number of years and with Cardiff MCCU I couldn't have asked for a better start to the season.

“I owe a lot to Keith Greenfield whilst being on the Academy, with improving as a player and going on two tours with the Academy in 2010 and 2012.

“Hopefully, I’ll get an opportunity to play in the First Team in the months to come."

Sussex Club Coach Carl Hopkinson said, “We’ve been really impressed with Matthew since he has been playing for his University side, and when he has returned he has looked really consistent.

“He has bowled with more pace and his attitude has been superb. We’re really looking forward to seeing more of him in the future”.

Matthew Hobden in action for Sussex’s Second Eleven against Guernsey earlier this season (Photo: Guernsey Cricket)